Final answer:
Lip-reading is the skill of understanding spoken language through visual cues. Accuracy can range from 10% to 60%, depending on various factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lip-reading is the skill of understanding spoken language through visual cues by watching the movements of the speaker's mouth, facial expressions, and body language. While it can be a helpful tool for individuals with hearing loss, it is important to note that lip-reading is not fully reliable or accurate. Various studies have found that lip-reading accuracy can range from 10% to 60%, depending on factors such as the proficiency of the lip-reader, the clarity of the speaker, and the context of the communication.
For example, in a study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, researchers found that experienced lip-readers were able to understand around 40% of spoken words in clear, well-lit conditions with trained speakers. However, in real-life situations where there are multiple speakers, background noise, or poor lighting, the accuracy of lip-reading decreases significantly.
Therefore, it is important to consider lip-reading as a supplementary tool to support communication rather than relying solely on it. Individuals with hearing loss can benefit from using a combination of lip-reading, hearing aids, and/or sign language to enhance their communication abilities.